Helmet attachment device

ABSTRACT

A helmet attachment device includes an attachment device for a helmet, the attachment device comprising a clamp including means forming a “u” shaped lower section for receiving a portion of the helmet, wherein the clamp includes an exterior; and a cam pivotally mounted to the clamp for movement between a released and clamped position to respectively disengage and engage the attachment device to the helmet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to helmet attachment devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While wearing a helmet, it may be beneficial to attach night visiongoggles or other accessories to the helmet. As such, it may be desirableto removably attach such accessories through the use of a plate orshroud. However, the problem with plates or shrouds is that it hastypically been required that holes be drilled in the helmet to securelyattach the plate or shroud to the helmet with screws or similarmechanical attachment members. This may result in a compromise in theintegrity of the strength of the helmet. Also, should a projectile or abullet hit a screw, the screw could potentially proceed through thehelmet and possibly cause injury to a user's head. Alternativeattachment methods not involving the use of screws have not previouslybeen successful because they have not provided a stable and secureattachment to a helmet.

To overcome the shortcomings with existing attachment mechanisms forplates or shrouds, the present invention provides, in one or moreembodiments, a helmet attachment device to mitigate or obviate one ormore of the aforementioned problems. In addition, embodiments of thepresent invention provide a helmet attachment device that islightweight, adjustable, and still able to provide a stable and secureattachment. Also, since embodiments of the attachment device may bequickly attached directly to a helmet without the use of tools, there isnow an easier way to attach night vision goggles or other accessories toa helmet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of anattachment device which may include one or more of the followingfeatures.

An attachment device for a helmet, the attachment device comprising:

a clamp including means forming a “u” shaped lower section for receivinga portion of the helmet, wherein the clamp includes an exterior; and

a cam pivotally mounted to the clamp for movement between a released andclamped position to respectively disengage and engage the attachmentdevice to the helmet.

The device wherein the clamp is flexible for compression to the helmetto ensure a secure fit.

The device wherein the cam further comprises a surface wherein thesurface comprises a conforming material.

The device wherein the conforming material further comprises a texturedpattern.

The device wherein the cam is adjustable.

The device wherein the cam is removable, and where cams of a differentsize are provided for mounting to the clamp.

The device wherein the width of the “u” shape lower section of the clampis adjustable.

The device wherein the attachment device attaches a battery pack.

The device wherein the attachment device attaches a helmet shroud.

The device further comprising an over mold wherein the over mold coversedges of the attachment device.

The device wherein the attachment device attaches night vision goggles.

An attachment device for a helmet, the attachment device comprising:

-   -   a first clamp including means forming a “u” shaped lower section        for receiving a portion of the helmet, wherein the first clamp        includes an exterior;    -   a second clamp including means forming a “u” shaped lower        section for receiving a portion of the helmet, wherein the        second clamp includes an exterior;    -   a cam and comprising a single unit, the single unit pivotally        mounted between the first clamp and the second clamp for        movement between a released and clamped position to respectively        disengage and engage the attachment device to the helmet,        wherein the single unit comprises a locking mechanism        comprising:        -   a movable latch adapted to disengage and engage the single            unit,        -   a spring operatively attached for the movable latch to            disengage and engage the single unit,        -   a lock to secure the movable latch, and        -   a release mechanism allows for the release of the movable            latch; and    -   a mounting plate removably attached, respectively, to the        exterior section of the first clamp and to the exterior section        of the second clamp.

An attachment device for a helmet, the attachment device comprising:

-   -   a first clamp including means forming a “u” shaped lower section        for receiving a portion of the helmet, wherein the first clamp        includes an exterior;    -   a second clamp including means forming a “u” shaped lower        section for receiving a portion of the helmet, wherein the        second clamp includes an exterior;    -   a cam pivotally mounted to the first clamp and the second clamp        for movement between a released and clamped position to        respectively disengage and engage the attachment device to the        helmet; and    -   a mounting plate removably attached, respectively, to the        exterior section of the first clamp and to the exterior section        of the second clamp.

An attachment device for a helmet, the attachment device comprising:

-   -   a first clamp including means forming a “u” shaped lower section        for receiving a portion of the helmet, wherein the first clamp        includes an exterior;    -   a second clamp including means forming a “u” shaped lower        section for receiving a portion of the helmet, wherein the        second clamp includes an exterior;    -   a cam pivotally mounted to the first clamp and to the second        clamp for movement between a released and clamped position to        respectively disengage and engage the attachment device to the        helmet; and    -   a shroud removably attached, respectively, to the exterior        section of the first clamp and to the exterior section of the        second clamp.

A method of attaching from an attachment device for a helmet, theattachment device comprising a clamp including a “u” shaped lowersection for receiving a portion of the helmet, wherein the clampincludes an exterior, and a cam pivotally mounted to the clamp formovement between a released and clamped position, comprising the stepof:

-   -   disengaging; and    -   engaging the attachment device to the helmet.

An anchoring device for a helmet, the anchoring device comprising:

-   -   a clamp, wherein the clamp attaches to the back of the helmet;    -   an elongated member operably attached to the clamp for movement        between a raised and lowered position, wherein the elongated        member comprises:        -   a top end, wherein the top end defines a groove,        -   a bottom end, wherein the bottom end comprises two feet that            extend horizontally and between the feet defines a slot,        -   a narrow body between the top end and bottom end wherein the            narrow body defines an opening along the body; and    -   a cover, wherein the cover defines two wells, wherein the first        well is at the far left side and the second well is at the far        right side, wherein both extend vertically along their sides,        wherein the feet are located at the bottom of the first and        second well, respectively, the tensioner is housed within the        cover, wherein the top of the feet captures the tensioner and        engages the tensioner whereby the tensioner provides resistance        for the elongated member.

The device wherein the tensioner are springs.

The device wherein the groove is three parallel orthogonally horizontalslot openings.

The device further comprising a strap, wherein the strap is operablyattached to the clamp on one end, and operably attached to a shroud atthe other end.

The strap further comprising a fishtail, wherein the fishtail is foldedand inserted into a slot of the shroud, wherein the fishtail opens upand locks against the inside of the shroud.

The device further comprising a strap, wherein the strap is operablyattached to the clamp on one end, and operably attached to an attachmentdevice at the other end.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the detailed description. This summary isneither intended to identify key or essential features of the claimedsubject matter, nor is it intended to be used in limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosurewill become more apparent by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the following drawings.In the drawings, like reference numerals are used throughout the figuresto reference like features and components. The figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is perspective views illustrating an embodiment of the helmetattachment device both assembled and disassembled;

FIGS. 1A, B, C are side views illustrating cams with various distancesfrom the pivot axis to the cam surface;

FIG. 1D is a side view illustrating a cam with a flat edge;

FIG. 2 is perspective views of another embodiment of the helmetattachment device both assembled and disassembled;

FIG. 3 is a perspective and a side view of an embodiment of the helmetattachment device showing when the clamp has flexible side portions;

FIG. 4A is a side view of an embodiment of the helmet attachment deviceshowing a use of a conforming material;

FIG. 4B is a side view of an embodiment of the helmet attachment deviceshowing a use of texture on a clamp;

FIG. 5 is side views showing minimum and maximum clamping widths for anattachment device according to an embodiment of the present inventionincorporating a cam within a cam;

FIGS. 5A, B, C are perspective views both assembled and disassembled ofdifferent helmet attachment devices according to embodiments of thepresent invention with cam within a cam means for adjusting the clampingwidth of a clamp;

FIGS. 5D, E, F are perspective views both assembled and disassembled ofdifferent helmet attachment devices according to embodiments of thepresent invention with means for locking the cams in the closedposition.

FIG. 6 is a side and a perspective view of an embodiment of the helmetattachment device showing the adjustability of a cam;

FIG. 7 is perspective views of an embodiment of the helmet attachmentdevice showing a removable cam;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a cam with an eccentric axis;

FIGS. 9A, B, C are side views of cams having pivot axes aligned above,in line with, and below the contact point of a cam with a helmet;

FIG. 10 is perspective views of the helmet attachment device showing anadjustable clamp;

FIG. 11 is perspective views of another embodiment of the helmetattachment device, one view of the device in place on a helmet and theother view exploded;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the helmet attachment device illustrated inFIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is side cross section views of the embodiment of the helmetattachment device illustrated in FIG. 11, one view as the device isbeing attached to a helmet and the other after the device has beenattached;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the helmet attachment deviceillustrated in FIG. 11, showing the inside view of attachment to ahelmet;

FIG. 14A is perspective views of the helmet attachment deviceillustrated in FIG. 11 attached to a helmet and receiving a helmet mountfor night vision goggles;

FIG. 15 is perspective views of another embodiment of the helmetattachment device;

FIG. 16 is a front plan view of another embodiment of the helmetattachment device;

FIG. 16A is alternate back plan views of the device illustrated in FIG.16;

FIGS. 17A-F are a front plan view and perspective views of embodimentsof the helmet attachment device showing the attachment of variousaccessories to a helmet;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a clamp attachment device;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the clamp attachment device of FIG. 18with a strap; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a helmet attachment device according tosome embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Features of the inventive concept and methods of accomplishing the samemay be understood more readily by reference to the following detaileddescription of embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The presentinvention, however, may be embodied in various different forms, andshould not be construed as being limited to only the illustratedembodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examplesso that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the aspects and features of the present invention to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniquesthat are not necessary to those having ordinary skill in the art for acomplete understanding of the aspects and features of the presentinvention may not be described. Unless otherwise noted, like referencenumerals denote like elements throughout the attached drawings and thewritten description, and thus, descriptions thereof will not berepeated. In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, andregions may be exaggerated for clarity.

It should be noted that for the purposes of this application the terms“clamp” or “clip” are used interchangeably and are not intended to belimited to the specific structures shown and described but rather shouldbe understood as extending to structures that accomplish one or more ofthe purposes described.

Embodiments of the present invention provide simplified installation ofa shroud, plate or other accessories for attachment to a helmet. Thesimplified installation of the attachment device does not compromise theintegrity or the strength of the helmet because it does not require useof drilled holes in the helmet to secure the accessories via the use ofscrews. In addition, embodiments of the present invention securelyattach the accessories to the helmet.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention allow for secureattachment of accessories to a helmet without the need for use of anytools. In embodiments where tools may be used, they would generally beused to pre-set the attachment device for use and the tools wouldgenerally not be needed during use. Thus, accessories may be quickly andeasily attached to or removed from a helmet by hand. This greatlysimplifies the process of attaching accessories to a helmet.

Now referring to FIG. 1, perspective views illustrating an embodiment ofthe helmet attachment device are shown. A helmet attachment device 100may include a clamp 110, and a cam 120. In one or more embodiments, thehelmet attachment device 100 may be “u” shaped. The clamp 110 mayinclude a “u” shaped lower section 130 for receiving a portion of thehelmet. Moreover, the “u” shape may have a longer external arm than theinternal arm. The clamp may include an exterior section 140 intended tobe outside the helmet when the clamp is in place. The exterior sectionmay have an outer facing region of the longer arm of the “u” shape ofthe clip. Also, the longer external arm may bend toward the helmet atthe bend point 145. This bend may help conform the clamp to the helmet.It may also help make a cam handle more readily accessible formanipulation by a user as described below. There may be a shorter arm170 of the clamp. In addition, the shorter arm may include an inwardfacing lip or protrusion 175 that may allow the device to conform moresecurely to the helmet. Thus, the clamp may look like a fishing hook inshape.

The clamp may be made of a material, such as aluminum or nylon, so thatit has some give and resilience. This will allow the clamp to adjustsomewhat to various helmet thicknesses, and, in some cases, allow it togrip the helmet somewhat even without use of the cam described below.

A cam 120 may be pivotally mounted to the clamp at the longer externalarm for movement between a released and clamped position to respectivelydisengage and engage the attachment device to the helmet. The cam mayhave an elongated handle 147 extending outwardly that may make themovement between the released and clamped position easier to achieve.The cam may have an inwardly facing rounded portion that provides thecam surface that will contact the helmet.

An opening 180 in clamp 110 may receive the cam body and also the camhandle in the clamped position. The opening may be a cutout or slot onthe exterior section 140. The opening may provide greater resilience tothe clamp because the clamp is no longer solid and thereby may reducethe stiffness of the clamp. It also helps reduce the weight of theclamp. In addition, the handle may tuck into the opening. The openingmay provide for a portion of the handle to fit into the opening. Asdiscussed previously, the clamp may bend at the bend point 145. Withoutthe opening, the handle may stick out more because the handle may nothave the option to tuck into the opening. While the handle of the camneeds to be accessible to allow for operation of the cam by a user, ifthe handle sticks out too much, the handle may snag and catch on itemsof clothing, parachutes, lines, etc.

The clamp may be thin. The width of the clamp may range from less thanabout ⅛″, to about several inches. This may also lower the weight of thedevice.

The clamp may have an ear or protrusion 155 at each side of the lowersection 130 of the longer external arm. In addition, there may be ashaft 160 that provides a pivot point or axis for the cam that extendsbetween and has opposite ends that are housed within each ear. As such,when the cam is rotated around the axis, the cam surface will graduallyrotate relative to the helmet surface whereby a tight fit may beachieved with the helmet. The shaft ends may be held within the ears byseveral methods. As a non-limiting example, the shaft may be held by apress or friction fit. As such, the outside diameter of the shaft may beslightly oversized and the inside diameter of the holes in the ears maybe slightly undersized. When the shaft is pressed into the ears, theparts interfere with each other's occupation of space. The result isthat both parts elastically deform slightly to fit together creating aforce that results in friction between the parts. The tightness of fitmay be controlled by the amount of interference.

As another non-limiting example, the shaft may be held within the earsby a threaded shaft. One end of the shaft may have male thread orexternal thread and the inside of an ear may have a complementary threadalso known as the female thread or internal thread that is designed tomate. The shaft may be threaded into the ear by the use of a screwdriveror wrench.

As another non-limiting example, a barrel bolt (also known as a barrelnut, Chicago screw, or post and screw) may be used to hold the shaftwithin the ears. The barrel bolt may include a female or internalthreaded barrel and a male or external threaded screw that may have abarrel-shaped flange. The shaft may be threaded into the ears by the useof a screwdriver or wrench.

As yet another non-limiting example, a lock screw may be used to holdthe shaft into the ears. The lock screw would have an external threadthat may be mated with the internal thread on a cylindrical openingextending through the wall of one or more of the ears in a directionorthogonal to the axis of the shaft. The screw may be threaded into thecylindrical opening in one or more of the ears by the use of ascrewdriver or wrench until the end of the screw contacts the shaft tohold it in place.

Now referring to FIG. 2, an assembled and a disassembled view of anotherembodiment of the helmet attachment device is shown. As a non-limitingexample, the cam 120 may be removed from the clamp 110. The cam may beremoved from the clamp by pushing the shaft out of the ears. If theshaft is held in place by friction fit, the user may use a pin to pushthe shaft out of the ears. If the shaft is held in place by a threadedshaft, the user may use a screw driver to remove the shaft. A screwdriver may also be used if a barrel bolt is used. Any method known andused in the art for removing a shaft may be used.

Now referring to FIG. 7, perspective views of a helmet attachment deviceshowing an alternative removable cam is shown. The cam may be removedfrom the clamp. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the shaft 160 that isreceived within the holes in the ears of the clamp is of a length thatallows each end of the shaft to extend beyond the outer openings of theholes and therefore beyond the side walls of the clamp. At one end ofthe shaft is an outwardly biased protrusion 162. This protrusionnormally extends outwardly from the rounded side wall of the shaft andis positioned so that it will be beyond the outer opening of one of theholes in an ear on the clamp when the shaft is in position. As extended,the protrusion will prevent the shaft from being easily removed from theholes in the ears of the clamp.

At the other end of shaft 160 is an enlarged head 164. This enlargedhead is positioned to remain outside the holes when the shaft is inposition in the clamp and will aid in preventing the shaft from beingpulled or pushed through the holes. A pull ring 166 is also located atthe end of the shaft with the enlarged head. This pull ring intersectsand is attached to the shaft just below the enlarged head at one side ofthe ring. The major portion of the ring extends out beyond the end ofthe enlarged head to provide an opening whereby the ring can be graspedby a user of the clamp. By grasping the ring, a user can then pull theshaft outwardly away from the holes in the clamp. Normally, protrusion162 would prevent the shaft from being removed from the holes.

A push button 168 is generally centered in the end of the enlarged headfacing towards the opening in the pull ring. Push button 168 is normallybiased outward by a biasing element, such as a leaf spring, extendingbetween the push button and the opposite end of the shaft through ahollow opening inside the shaft. The opposite end of the biasing elementis also attached through a second length with protrusion 162. Thearrangement is such that depressing push button 168 causes the biasingelement to shift so as to retract protrusion 162. Thus, a user may grasppull ring 166, depress push button 168, thereby retracting theprotrusion and allowing the shaft to be pulled from the clamp andreleasing the cam. This embodiment allows for quick removal andreplacement of a cam as needed without the use of tools.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, B, C, cams may be made that have differentdistances from the pivot point to the cam surface. For example, in FIG.1A, this distance is shown as d₁. In FIG. 1B, a cam is shown where thisdistance is shown as d₂, where d₂ is less than d₁. Further, in FIG. 1C,a cam is shown where this distance is shown as d₃, where d₃ is less thand₂ and d₁. Varying this distance allows a given cam to work to securethe attachment device to a helmet with a given thickness.

An attachment device can be constructed with a cam having a selecteddistance from the pivot point to the cam surface where the device is tobe used with helmets having a relatively known thickness. As notedabove, the resiliency of the clamp and the use of a cam does allow forsome variation in the helmet thickness without preventing a snugattachment. Alternatively, where the shaft for the cam is removablyattached to the clamp, such as using one of the attachment methods notedabove, cams having a variety of distances, d₁, d₂, d₃, may be suppliedas in a set or kit with the attachment device. The user may then choosethe cam having the appropriate distance for the helmet to be worn andinstall that cam on the attachment device. If a different helmet havinga different thickness is then to be worn, the user may then choose andinstall a cam with the appropriate distance if needed to ensure a secureattachment.

Now referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view and a side view of thehelmet attachment device showing the flexibility of the clamp is shown.The clamp may straighten when engaged because the clamp may be flexiblefor compression. A lot of throw may be beneficial for compression of theclamp in order to ensure a secure fit for the attachment device to thehelmet. This may also make it easier for a clamp to be placed on thebrim of a helmet before the cam is engaged.

Now referring to FIG. 4A, a side view of the helmet attachment deviceshowing a conforming material 1100 is shown. The conforming material maybe a hard rubber or some sort of elastomer. The conforming material mayadd more traction between the clamp and the helmet. The conformingmaterial is located along the inside surface of the lower “u” shapedsection of the clamp, and may be attached to the clamp surface using anadhesive or other appropriate means.

Now referring to FIG. 4B, a side view of the helmet attachment device isprovided showing texture 1102 on the clamp surfaces that contact thehelmet. This may improve the traction between the clamp and the helmet.The conforming material may also have a textured pattern in order toprovide even more traction. For example, the conforming material mayhave a pimpled, ribbed or waffle patterned outer surface.

Now referring to FIG. 8, a side view of a cam with an exaggeratedeccentric shape relative to the axis is shown. The shape of the cam maybe more eccentric to allow for greater variance in the distance from thepivot point to the cam surface and greater variability in the campositioning that will secure the attachment device to the helmet.

With reference to FIG. 5A, perspective views of an attachment device areshown, both assembled and disassembled, that uses a cam-within-a-camapproach to allowing for adjustability in the width of the clamp mouth.As with embodiments described above, a generally cylindrical shaft 160is received within circular openings passing through each ear 155 in theclamp. However, when the shaft is received in the ears, one end of theshaft 202 protrudes beyond the outer edge of one of the ears. That end202 has a hexagonal, or other orthogonally-shaped, cross section adaptedto receive a screw cap 204 that has a mating opening for the shaft on aninner end and a driver surface 206 on an outer end. As shown in FIG. 5A,the driver surface is slotted to receive the end of a slotted screwdriver. It should be understood that the driver surface could be any ofa number of interfaces capable of interacting with a driver.

Cam 120 has a large cylindrical opening 208 through its lower portion.Cylindrical disk 210 is sized to fit tightly within opening 208. Disk210 itself has a cylindrical opening 212 extending from one flat surfaceof the disk to the other and positioned off center so as to be closer tothe cylindrical wall of the disk at one edge of the disk. Cylindricalopening 212 is sized to receive shaft 160 therethrough. Disk 210 alsohas a pair of aligned through holes 214 that extend from one cylindricaledge of the disk to the opposite cylindrical edge to form a bore thatintersects opening 212.

Upon assembly, disk 210 is placed within opening 208 in cam 120. The camis then placed between the lower legs of the clamp so that shaft 160 canbe placed through the ear holes of the clamp and also through opening212 in disk 210 such that disk 210 and cam 120 are held in placerelative to the clamp. The cylindrical surface of, shaft 160 has atleast a circular recess 216 on it that is positioned so that it canalign with the bore formed by through holes 214 when the shaft is inplace in the disk. This circular recess may go all the way through shaft160 to open to both of the aligned through holes 214. Cam 120 also has acircular through hole 218 extending from its outer, lower wall intoopening 208 positioned so that it can be aligned with through holes 214and circular recess 216. To complete assembly, a set pin 220 may bepushed through hole 218 in the cam into the longer of through holes 214into recess 216. Set pin 220 has a length that allows it to attach disk210 to shaft 216 without extending back into hole 218 in the cam. Italso has a diameter that will create a friction fit with hole 214 andrecess 216. Hole 218 in the cam may have a larger diameter so that theset pin can be more easily pushed through that hole and into placeholding disk 210 fixed relative to shaft 160. When recess. 216 goes allthe way through shaft 160, it allows for disassembly of disk 210 fromthe shaft by use of a tool to push set pin 220 out of the shaft and diskthrough the other through hole 214.

After assembly, disk 210 and shaft 160 are fixed in position relative toone another. Disk 210 may rotate within opening 208 in the cam. However,this may be a tight fit such that normal operation of the cam lever willrotate the cam about shaft 160, which may be received within the earholes of the clamp in such a way as to rotate freely relative to theclamp body upon movement of the cam lever. The tight fit of disk 210within opening 208 may, however, be overcome by using a driver on driversurface 206 to overcome the friction of the fit. Use of a driver maythen allow a user to rotate the disk within the cam and thereby changethe width of the clamp mouth as illustrated in FIG. 5. Rotating the diskso that the wide portion of the disk is toward the outside of the clampminimizes the cam's extension into the clamp mouth and allows for use ofthe clamp with thicker helmet walls. Rotating the disk so that the wideportion of the disk is toward the inside of the clamp maximizes thecam's extension into the clamp mouth and allows for use of the clampwith thinner helmet walls.

With reference to FIG. 5B, a perspective view of an alternate embodimentof a cam-within-a-cam adjustment mechanism is shown. In the embodimentof FIG. 5B, a disk 210 is again fixed to a shaft 160 with a set pin 220.However, shaft end 202 with the orthogonally-shaped cross section isadapted to receive a lever arm 222. Lever arm 222 can then be moved by auser to rotate disk 210 within the cam and adjust the clamp mouth widthbetween the two positions illustrated in FIG. 5. An advantage of anembodiment like that of FIG. 5B is that once the cam is assembled in theclamp, a user can adjust the width of the clamp mouth using lever arm222 and need not use a separate tool to make such an adjustment.

With reference to FIG. 5C, a perspective view of yet another alternateembodiment of a cam-within-a-cam adjustment mechanism is shown. Theembodiment of FIG. 5C uses a spring-loaded lever arm 224 to adjust thewidth of the clamp mouth. Spring-loaded lever arm 224 is held on the endof shaft 160 by a threaded screw 226. A threaded opening 228 is providedextending lengthwise down the interior of shaft 160 to receive thethreaded shaft of screw 226. Screw 226 is shown with a Philips-stylehead. However, it should be understood that other head styles may alsobe used. It should also be understood that other appropriate means maybe used to hold lever arm 224 on the shaft. Although lever arm 224 isheld on shaft 160 by screw 226, it interacts with shaft 160 through acoil spring 230 when it is turned. Thus, when a user turns lever arm224, the turning motion will first serve to compress spring 230. Oncespring 230 is sufficiently compressed, the turning of the lever arm willbe communicated to the shaft 160 to overcome the friction holding disk210 in place in the clamp body. This will introduce a slight delay intoany adjustment of the width of the clamp mouth. However, it will alsoprevent inadvertent contact with the lever arm from effecting anyadjustment of the clamp mouth.

With reference to FIG. 5D, perspective views, both assembled anddisassembled are shown, of an attachment device according to the presentinvention incorporating a means for locking the cam in the closedposition relative to the clamp. This type of locking means may beprovided to lock the cam in the closed position once a clamp has beenput in position on a helmet. In the embodiment of FIG. 5D, a hole 232 isplaced through the outer arm of the clamp. A threaded screw 234 isplaced through hole 232 oriented so that its shaft faces outwardly awayfrom the helmet on which the clamp is placed. The head of the screw willbe on the inward surface of the outer arm of the clamp so as to bepositioned between the clamp and the helmet. A retaining washer 236 isreceived on the screw shaft to hold the screw in place with the shaftfacing outwardly. A circular recess 238 may be provided in the outersurface of the clamp are around hole 232 sized so as to receiveretaining washer 236. This recess allows the washer outer surface to beflush with the outer surface of the clamp arm so that the cam handle maybe closed against the clamp arm. A knurled cap 240 is provided with athreaded opening adapted to be threaded on the outwardly facing shaft ofscrew 234. The cam handle also includes a slotted opening 242 able toreceive the screw shaft when the cam handle is closed. The opening issized and slotted to allow it to receive the shaft easily despite anyadjustments that have been made. Once the cam handle is closed with thescrew shaft protruding through the slotted opening, a user can threadthe knurled cap onto the end of the shaft of the screw and tighten itdown to lock the cam in place. Although the embodiment of FIG. 5D isshown with cam-within-a-cam width adjustment, it should be understoodthat this cam locking mechanism may be used with other embodiments ofthe attachment device.

With reference to FIG. 5E, perspective views, both disassembled andassembled, are shown of another embodiment of a cam locking means. Theembodiment of FIG. 5E uses an aperture 150 placed at the top of theouter arm of the clamp. This embodiment also involves a cam handle thatis substantially received within opening 180 in the outer arm of theclamp when the cam handle is closed. A rotatable tab 244 is attached tothe top of the outer arm of the clamp at aperture 150 by a screw 246.Screw 246 is shown with a Philips-type head, but it should be understoodthat other types of heads may also be used. In use, tab 244 may beattached to the clamp by screw 246 in a position where it is rotated outof the way of opening 180. Once the cam handle is closed and withinopening 180, a user can loosen screw 246, rotate tab 244 to be over thetop of the cam handle, and then tighten screw 246 to hold the tab inposition and thereby lock the cam handle in place.

With reference to FIG. 5F, perspective views, both disassembled andassembled, are shown of yet another embodiment of a cam locking means.The embodiment of FIG. 5F also involves a cam handle that is sized so asto be substantially received in opening 180 in the outer clamp arm whenthe cam handle is closed. A bushing 248 is located on the outer surfaceof the cam handle. Bushing 248 has a cylindrical recess 250 in itextending downward form the top surface of the busing. Recess 250 isadapted to receive a coil spring 252 or other biasing means as well as acylindrical shaft 254 extending downward from the lower surface of apush button 256. Shaft 254 presses down on the coil spring and capturesit within recess 250.

A back plate 258 is positioned on the opposite side of the cam handlefrom push button 256. The cam handle has an elongated slot 260 throughit that is positioned above the bushing. Back plate 258 has a hole 262through its lower end that receives the threaded shaft of a screw 264.The back plate also has a projecting portion 266 that surrounds hole 262and projects outwardly from the surface of the back plate facing towardthe inner surface of the cam handle. The inner surface of the cam handlehas a recessed track 268 that receives projecting portion 266. Screw 264attaches the back plate to the push button through slotted opening 260.Push button 256 has a threaded recess in its back surface to receivescrew 264. When the back plate is attached to the push button, the pushbutton is able to move up and down along the cam handle against theforce of the coil spring. The projecting portion moves along therecessed track to keep the motion aligned with the cam handle. The biasof the coil spring is to keep the push button extended so that the screwshaft is at the top end of elongated slot 260. In use, a user candepress the push button against the action of the spring while pivotingthe cam handle to the closed position. In the closed position, the backplate will pass through opening 180 in the clamp arm. The user can thenrelease the push button so that the back plate will slide up behind theclamp arm and the push button will slide up in front of the clamp arm.This will lock the clamp handle in position. The inner surface of thepush button and the outer surface of the back plate may be sloped at thetop to make it easier for them to receive the clamp arm at the top ofopening 180 when they slide into the locked position.

With reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, side views are shown of anotherway in which changing the cam used with the attachment device can changethe operation of the attachment device. When a cam is rotated intoposition to press against a helmet it will have a contact point with thehelmet. The force of the contact will extend back through the cam. Thepoint about which a cam will pivot is determined by the location of thecylindrical opening that receives the shaft through the cam body. InFIG. 9A, the cam pivot point is located above the force line extendingfrom the point of contact for the cam. In such a configuration, thecontact force will tend to pivot the cam toward a closed position. InFIG. 9B, the cam pivot point is aligned with the contact point forceline. In this configuration, the contact force is neutral. It does nottend to open or close the cam. In FIG. 9C, the cam pivot point is belowthe contact point force line. In this configuration, the contact forcewill tend to pivot the cam toward an open position.

As noted above, the attachment device may be configured to allow forchanging the cams used with the device. Thus, cams may be selected thatwill tend toward an open or a closed position, or that will be neutralin this respect. In some situations it may be beneficial to have a camthat will tend to the open position. For example, when cam locking meanslike those described above are in use, there is not much concern about acam opening inadvertently. However, when the locking means is released,it would be useful for the user to have the cam tend to open so thatupon unlocking the attachment device is then easy to remove. However,there may also be situations where it may be beneficial to have a camthat will tend to the closed position. For example, if a separate camlocking means is not being used, having a cam that tends to stay closedwill help prevent inadvertent opening of the cam during use of theattachment device.

Now referring to FIG. 10, perspective views of a helmet attachmentdevice showing the adjustability of the clamp are shown. The distancebetween the lower segments of the clamp itself may be adjustable toallow for use of a given clamp with a wide variety of helmetthicknesses. In this embodiment, the lower wall of the lower “u” shapedsection of the clamp is divided into two sections. An upper section 132is attached along one end to the shorter arm of the clamp, has an uppersurface 134 that is flat and that would face toward the helmet when theclamp was in use, and has a lower surface with rectangular ribs 136extending downwardly along opposite side sections of the lower surface.The ribs are separated by spaced rectangular troughs. A lower section138 has two arms extending outwardly from and attached at one end to thelonger arm of the clamp. Lower section 138 has a flat lower surface thatwould face away from a helmet when the clamp was in use. The arms of thelower section have upwardly extending rectangular ribs separated byspaced rectangular troughs. The ribs and troughs of the upper and lowersections are oriented, sized and spaced such that the two sections canbe fitted together with different degrees of overlap between the twosections as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, with the two sections fullyoverlapped, the clamp will have a narrower mouth. By moving the sectionsrelative to one another to reduce the amount of overlap, the mouth ofthe clamp may be widened.

A set screw 142 may be used to hold the two sections of the adjustableclamp in position once the desired width for the clamp has beenselected. The set screw has a head 144 wide enough to span the two armsof the lower section. The set screw may be threaded and may be receivedupwardly into an opening in the center of upper section 132. A lockwasher 146 may be provided to keep the set screw tight once it has beentightened down with its head against the lower surface of lower section138. A tool may be used to loosen the set screw to allow for adjustmentof the width of the clamp and then be retightened once a new width hasbeen selected.

Although in the above-described embodiment, the upper section has beenshown as attached to the short arm of the clamp and the lower sectionhas been shown as attached to the longer arm of the clamp, it should bereadily understood that relative attachment of the sections could bereversed without departing from the spirit of the operation. Also,although the mating surfaces have been described as ribs separated bytroughs, it should be understood that other regular mating surfacesallowing for adjustability could be used without departing from thespirit of the operation.

The cam surface may also have a flat section 112 (see FIG. 1D) so thatthe cam will tend to seat or lock in place when rotated to the positionwhere the flat section rests against the surface of the helmet. The camsurface may also be provided with a texture or friction enhancingsurface 114 to help it stay in place against the helmet surface.

The cam may be adjustably positioned on the clamp so that it may moveinward to accommodate various helmet cross-sections. The inward/outwarddesign may be adjusted by a built-in device (see FIG. 6) or by graduatedpivot points within the cam itself. As such the user, may adjust theinward/outward design or it may be adjusted at the factory duringmanufacturing.

Now referring to FIG. 6, a side and a perspective view of the helmetattachment device showing the adjustability of the cam is shown. The cammay be adjustable within the clamp to allow for use with helmets ofvarying thickness. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, a shaft 160 is fixedlyattached to a cam 120 at a central point along its length. Thus, oneither side of the cam, the opposite ends of the shaft extend outwardlyinto the ears of the cam. However, in this embodiment, ears 155 areelongated and contain a series of “u” shaped depressions along thebottom of the hole extending through each of the ears. Three depressionsare shown in FIG. 6, but it should be understood that more or fewer mayalso be used. The depressions are rounded and shaped to receive theshaft such that the shaft may be freely rotated within whichever of thedepressions it is resting in. The space of the hole opening above thedepressions is sufficient to allow a user to lift the cam and attachedshaft out of a given depression and move it to any of the otherdepressions. Thus, a user may adjust the pivot point of the cam relativeto the mouth of the clamp by lifting and moving the cam such that theshaft ends rest in an appropriate depression.

The attachment device construction may also be reversed or reversible.For example, the shorter arm 170 may face the outside of the helmet andthe cam may be located on the internal arm (see FIG. 20, in which theshorter arm 170 is to face the outside of the helmet when the clamp isin place and the cam 120 is located on the internal arm 140 a). Othermodifications to the configuration of the clamp and cam and theirposition relative to one another can also be made without changing thefundamental way in which the combination attaches to a helmet. Forexample, a clamp may be constructed with straight sides that arerelatively equal in length. This form of clamp could be adapted to beused with the cam on the outside or inside of the helmet depending uponuser preference or the circumstances.

Different angled cams may also be used. The cams may be orientedvertically, horizontally, or any angle that may be beneficial for theparticular purpose. (See, e.g., FIGS. 17B and 17C.) The bottom arm of aclamp may also be angled to allow for clamps to be attached to a helmetat different angles.

Other aspects of the configuration of the cam and clamp may also bemodified to suit particular applications without departing from the wayin which the combination attaches to a helmet. For example, the camhandle may be longer or shorter as needed to allow for operation of thecam. The cam handle may also be configured with a broadened section tomake it easier to operate by finger pressure from a user.

The attachment device may further include an aperture 150 that isadapted to allow a screw or other attachment means to attach anaccessory to the device and thereby to the helmet. As a non-limitingexample, the attachment device may be used to retrofit an existingshroud and the aperture may be used to attach the attachment device tothe existing shroud. One example of such a use will be furtherillustrated when describing FIG. 16.

In addition, the attachment device may be used in several ways. The cam120 may be unlocked and then the clamp 110 may be placed under the brimof a helmet to fit any size helmet. The attachment device may be usedwith helmets with or without a rim. It may also be used on ECH,non-metallic or equivalent helmets. Once the clamp is placed under thebrim of the helmet, then the cam may be rotated to the engaged position.The back portion of the cam may be further rotated to the roundedportion of the cam. The rounded portion of the cam may cause the clampto be tightly secured to the helmet. The aperture 150 may be used toattach accessories.

A single or multiple attachment devices may be used independently overthe entire circumference of the helmet. Each attachment device may beequipped to accommodate several accessories. As a non-limiting example,the accessories may include lights, infrared lights, signaling nodes, ormay be used as a safety tether. Furthermore, the attachment device maybe used to attach on to the helmet and allow other items to be held suchas wands, small flags, lights such as signaling devices or other itemsas desired.

The attachment device may be used in lieu of the standard front bracketby attaching to the helmet mount. Instead, the attachment device mayattach directly to the helmet and thereby eliminate the need fordrilling of one or more holes in a helmet and therefore not compromisethe ballistic properties of the helmet.

Moreover, the attachment device with integrated light(s), IR light orother visual or signaling capability may be powered by a self-containedpower source or be able to be plugged into an alternate power sourcesuch as the Norotos Shroud-Light integrated battery pack (see FIG. 17A).

The attachment device may be used for helmets with or without a rim atthe front of a helmet such as a PASGT Helmet. The size of the helmet mayinclude, but are not limited to, extra small, small, medium, large,extra-large, etc.

The attachment device may include an over mold or shroud that covers theattachment device or may incorporate sloped edges. (See FIGS. 11, 15 and16) There are many situations where the user may want the attachmentdevice to have a smooth cover or edges. As a non-limiting example, asoldier may jump out of a plane with a parachute. As such, having sharpedges or protrusions may snag wires or the parachute itself. Therefore,an over mold may cover the attachment device and may provide a smoothsurface so it does not snag any foreign objects.

The device may be segmented and circle the entire helmet.

Now that various embodiments of a cammed clamp have been described, itshould be understood that one or more of such clamps in accordance withone of the embodiments described above may be used with or incorporatedinto various accessories for attaching those accessories to a helmet. Afew non-limiting examples of uses of such clamps is provided below.

Now referring to FIG. 11, front perspective views, both assembled anddisassembled, of another embodiment of a helmet attachment device areshown. An attachment device 300 may include a first clamp 310 includinga “u” shaped lower section 360 for receiving a portion of the helmet,wherein the first clamp may include an exterior. A second clamp 320 mayinclude a “u” shaped lower section 360 for receiving a portion of thehelmet, wherein the second clamp may include an exterior. The firstclamp and the second clamp may then be combined with a mountingstructure 330 to form a single unit. In this embodiment, the single unitis formed by attaching each of the clamps with screws 332 to the back ofa mounting plate for use with night vision goggles. The front of theplate has vertically oriented “T” tracks 334 projecting from it toreceive a helmet mount for night vision goggles. The “T” tracks can beused in the vertical adjustment aspect of the helmet mount.

Cams 410 may be pivotally mounted between the first clamp and the secondclamp for movement between a released and clamped position, respectivelyto disengage and engage the attachment device to the helmet. The cam maybe attached to an elongated handle 510, that extends outward to allowfor the movement between released and clamped positions. The cam 410(see FIG. 13) may have a rounded portion to contact the helmet alongwith back portions. In addition, there may be a shaft 370 that allows apivot point for the cams. As such, when the handle is rotated around theaxis, the back portions may gradually rotate to the rounded portionswhereby a tight fit may be achieved with the helmet. As shown in FIG.11, this embodiment incorporate a cam-within-a-cam means for adjustingthe width of the clamping mouth. A knob 372 is provided at the end ofshaft 370 to allow a user to adjust the width of the clamping mouth.

The cam handle may include a spring-loaded locking mechanism. A movablelatch 340, attached to cam 410 by a screw 342 extending through anelongated slot 344 and normally biased upward by a coil spring 346positioned between the latch and the cam body, may be adapted to unlockand lock the cam handle. The user may place the first and second clampson to the helmet. Then, the user may rotate the cam handle until the camis rotated and a tight fit with the helmet is achieved. The latch may beengaged so that it may lock the cam handle into place. Once the latch isengaged, the latch may be locked by tightening screw 342 and it maysecure the attachment device to the helmet. Spring 346 may beoperatively attached for the movable latch to bias the latch toward thelocked position. The upper back surface of the latch may be sloped toallow the latch to snap into place as the cam is rotated into position.Hand pressure may then be used to counteract the spring and unlock thecam handle. Lock screw 342 may be used to secure the movable latch. Thislock may prevent the unintentional release of the latch and may preventthe cam handle from unlocking. If the user desires to remove theattachment device from the helmet, then the user may unscrew the lockscrew and use the latch to unlock the single unit. A release mechanismmay allow for the release of the movable latch. As such, the spring mayprovide the resistance for the latch to disengage and engage. When theuser desires to release the attachment device from the helmet, then theuser may move the latch, thereby disengaging the latch and allowing therelease mechanism to release the movable latch.

Mounting plate 330 may be removably attached, respectively, to theexterior section of the first clamp and to the exterior section of thesecond clamp. As a non-limiting example, the exteriors of the first andsecond clamp may be screwed to the back of the mounting plate. As such,the mounting plate may be securely attached to the attachment device. Asnon-limiting examples, the mounting plate may attach night visiongoggles, lights, flags, infrared lights, safety tethers, etc. This willbe further illustrated when describing FIGS. 17A-F.

In addition, the attachment device 300 may have a sloped side or cowl365. The sloped side may surround the mounting plate. It could be orhave a smooth outer surface that deflects out foreign bodies. As such,the sloped side may direct things up and over and may prevent (orsubstantially decrease) foreign objects from snagging or otherwiseinterfering with the operation of the attachment device. The cowl may beconfigured to rest behind the mounting plate between it and the helmet.

Now referring to FIG. 12, a side view of the helmet attachment deviceillustrated in FIG. 11 is shown. The cam 410 is shown with its roundedsurface pressed against the outer surface of the helmet.

Now referring to FIG. 13, cross sectional side views of the embodimentof the helmet attachment device illustrated in FIG. 11 are shown. Theleft view shows the attachment device as it is being placed on thehelmet with the cam in the down and open position. Also the mountingplate rests on a lower plane of the cowl. The right view shows theattachment device after the cam has been pivoted up to the closedposition. The mounting plate now rests on an upper plane of the cowlpressing it against the helmet. The latch 510 is also shown snapped intoits locked position.

Now referring to FIG. 14, a back perspective view of the helmetattachment device illustrated in FIG. 11, attached to a helmet is shown.The attachment device is placed on the helmet, with the inner arms ofthe clamps engaged with the inside of the helmet.

The embodiments of the attachment device described in FIGS. 11-14, maybe used in several ways. The attachment device may have single unit 330.The first and second clamps may be placed on the helmet when the latch340 is unlocked. Then the cam may be engaged by rotating the handle 510whereby locking the single unit and engaging the latch. When the userdesires to unlock the single unit, the user may move the latch torelease the latch and rotate the handle the other way. The mountingplate 350 may be used hold different accessories such as night visiongoggles or battery packs.

With reference to FIG. 14A, a series of perspective views of theattachment device of FIG. 11 are shown. The device is placed on ahelmet. Then a user may lower a helmet mount 520 for night visiongoggles down onto the vertically oriented “T” tracks. Mount 520 may haveopenings that mate with the “T” tracks and allow for vertical adjustmentof the helmet mount once it is in place on the “T” tracks.

Now referring to FIG. 15, perspective views of another embodiment of thehelmet attachment device are shown. An attachment device may include afirst clamp 710 forming a “u” shaped lower section 730 for receiving aportion of the helmet. The first clamp may include an exterior. A secondclamp 720 may also include a “u” shaped lower section 730 for receivinga portion of the helmet. The second clamp may include an exterior. A cam740 may be pivotally mounted between the first clamp and the secondclamp for movement between a released and clamped position torespectively disengage and engage the attachment device to the helmet.In addition, there may be a shaft 770 that allows a pivot point for thecam. As such, when the cam is rotated around the axis, the back portionmay gradually rotate to the rounded portion whereby a tight fit may beachieved with the helmet.

A mounting plate 760 may be removably attached, respectively, to theexterior section of the first clamp and to the exterior section of thesecond clamp. As a non-limiting example, the exteriors of the first andsecond clamp may be screwed to the back of the mounting plate. As such,this may securely hold the mounting plate to the attachment device.

The attachment device may have several features that allows the cam tointeract with the shaft. As seen in FIG. 15, the device is depicted asincluding a cam-within-a-cam means for adjusting the width of the clampmouths. A knob or handle 772 may be mounted at one end of the shaft 770to allow a user to adjust the width of the clamp mouths. This attachmentdevice also has a spring-biased latch that operates in a similar mannerto that described above for the embodiment of FIG. 11.

However, the axis of the cam may be eccentric (see FIG. 8). The axis ofthe cam may be located off-center and at a different quadrant than thecenter. The distance from the pivot point and which quadrant the axis islocated on the cam surface may result in greater variability in thesecurement of the attachment device to the helmet.

Moreover, the cams may have rounded portions along with a back section.When the cams are rotated around the axis, the back section maygradually rotate to the rounded portions whereby a tight fit may beachieved with the helmet. The cam surface may also have a flat section(see FIG. 1D) so that the cam will tend to seat or lock in place whenrotated to the position where the flat section rests against the surfaceof the helmet.

Further, the cam may have a polygonal shaped shaft. The cam shaft mayhave a central segment that has a cross section that is an octagon, adecagon, a hexagon, or any other shape that may be beneficial. The shaftshape may allow a cam to be rotated relative to its position on theshaft such that the distance from the pivot point to the cam surface isadjusted for a given positioning of the cam. These features may be usedin conjunction with each other to achieve a desired effect. The one sidehandle may go through the shaft, which may be connected to the internalpart of the shaft.

The attachment device is similarly used as described for FIGS. 11-14. Itmay also be modified to incorporate further features discussed above forother embodiments.

Now referring to FIG. 16, a plan front view of another embodiment of thehelmet attachment device is shown. This embodiment may be used toretrofit an existing mechanism. As a non-limiting example, a shroud maybe the existing mechanism. The attachment device may be used with theexisting mechanism. As such, holes do not need to be drilled into thehelmet.

An attachment device may include a “u” shaped lower section forreceiving a portion of the helmet, wherein the first clamp 810 mayinclude an exterior. A second clamp 820 may include a “u” shaped lowersection for receiving a portion of the helmet. The second clamp mayinclude an exterior section. A first cam 830 may be pivotally mounted tothe first clamp for movement between a released and clamped position torespectively disengage and engage the attachment device to the helmet. Asecond cam 840 may be pivotally mounted to the second cramp for movementbetween a released and clamped position to respectively disengage andengage the attachment device to the helmet. The cams may have a singlehandle each. Depending on the shape of the shroud, the handle may beangled to avoid any protrusions or for design purposes.

A shroud may be removably attached, respectively, to the exteriorsection of the first clamp and to the exterior section of the secondclamp. The holes in the shroud 850 may be used as a receptacle toreceive a bolt or a screw to secure the shroud to the attachmentdevices. The shroud may have a designated section where a mounting platemay be affixed.

Furthermore, the attachment device may be used to retrofit existingshrouds or brackets. The attachment device may be incorporated into theexisting Shroud-Light and all existing shrouds and brackets that attachto helmets with holes and hardware or straps and clips. As non-limitingexample, an attachment device may be attached to an existing shroud. Theaperture of the attachment device 150 may be screwed into the hole ofthe shroud 850 and would thereby secure the attachment device to theshroud. A second attachment device may be attached to the other side ofthe shroud as previously described for the first attachment device.Then, the attachment devices may be disengaged and placed on the helmet.Once both attachment devices have been placed on the helmet, they mayboth be engaged and secured to the helmet. As such, the attachmentdevice may be used to retrofit existing shrouds and brackets to a helmetwithout the need for drilling holes in the helmet.

Now referring to FIG. 16A, back plan views of the device illustrated inFIG. 16 are shown. In an embodiment, a gasket 870 may line the shroud.As a non-limiting example, the gasket may be a material such as rubberor some sort of polymer. The gasket may assist in gripping the helmetsurface. An additional method of assisting in the gripping of the helmetsurface may include the use of VELCRO or hook and loop fasteners 880. Inan embodiment, the back of the shroud may include the hook fasteners andthe corresponding surface of the helmet may include loop fasteners. Inanother embodiment, the back of the shroud may include the loopfasteners and the corresponding surface of the helmet may include hookfasteners. These fasteners are available on a sheet that can be cut tosize and with a pressure sensitive adhesive backing covered by a releaseliner. The user may remove the release liners and then attach the hookfasteners to either the helmet or shroud surface and attach the loopfasteners to the other surface. Other suitable methods may be used toattach the fasteners in place. The user may then align the shroud to thehelmet and press the shroud to helmet to engage the hook and loopfasteners, thereby attaching the shroud to the helmet. The use of VELCROmay be used in conjunction with the features described in the sectiondescribing FIG. 16 or it may be used independently.

A Universal Shroud may be adapted as the Shroud-Light to have anintegrated battery pack that drives/operates one or several individualattached devices containing integrated light(s), IR light, or othervisual or signaling capability for purposes already described above,such as friend or foe signaling or the like (see FIG. 17A).

Now referring to FIGS. 17A-F, a front plan view and perspective views ofthe helmet attachment device showing the attachment of accessories areshown. The attachment device may attach a battery or battery pack, aflag, antenna, infrared light, detection light, safety tether, nightvision goggle, or any other accessory.

With reference to FIG. 17A, a front plan view is shown of a helmetshroud 900 for receiving a helmet mount for night vision goggles. Thishelmet shroud incorporates lights and has a built-in battery pack 902 atthe lower center of the shroud. Below the battery pack is an attachmentdevice according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thisattachment device has a pair of clamps 904 and a pair of cams 906. Thecams are oriented in a horizontal position.

FIG. 17B shows a pair of perspective views, assembled and disassembled,of one embodiment of an attachment device that could be used in FIG.17A. This attachment device has four screws 908 for securing theattachment device to the back of the helmet shroud. As noted, the camsare oriented in a horizontal position to rotate about shafts 910. Theinner arm of the clamps have openings 912 to receive resilient plugs914. Resilient plugs 914 may be made of rubber or another appropriateresilient material and when in place face inward toward the innersurface of the helmet. Plugs 914 help take up any gap in the fit of theclamps to the helmet and can help improve the attachment. Plugs 914 canbe pulled from the openings to be removed if they are not needed. Also,alternate pugs of varying thickness may be provided so that plugsappropriate for the helmet to fit the clamps to may be selected. In theembodiment of FIG. 17B the helmet contact point for a cam is offset fromthe helmet contact point for its corresponding clamp. With a singlecam/clamp attachment this could cause the attachment to skew or twist.However, by pairing one cam/clamp attachment that would tend to twist inone direction with a second cam/clamp attachment that would tend totwist in the other direction a balanced attachment may be achieved.

With reference to FIG. 17C, a pair of perspective views, both assembledand disassembled, of an alternative embodiment of an attachment devicethat could be used in FIG. 17A is shown. In this alternative embodiment,a cam-within-a-cam mechanism is used to pivotally attach the cams to theclamps. Driving heads 916 attached to one end of the shafts may then beused by a user to adjust the width of the clamp mouths. The drivingheads are preferably attached to the lower end of the shafts so as toface downward for easier access by a user. The driving heads are shownwith a slotted interface for use with a tool. However, it should beunderstood that other interfaces may also be used. Moreover, mechanismsthat would allow for adjustment without the use of tools like thosediscussed above could also be adopted.

FIG. 17D shows a perspective view an alternative helmet shroud that maybe mounted to a helmet using an attachment device according to thepresent invention. This embodiment use horizontally oriented cams.However, this embodiment does not have a built-in battery pack. Rather,it has a separate battery back attached to the shroud by a power cable.Thus, the separate battery pack may also be attached to the helmet at adifferent location along the brim of the helmet. In this embodiment, asimilar system employing horizontal cams is also used to attach thebattery pack to the helmet.

FIG. 17E shows a perspective view with a helmet shroud and attachmentdevice similar to that of FIG. 15 being used to attach the shroud to ahelmet. However, this shroud incorporates lights and requires a batteryback. In this embodiment, the battery pack is separate and connected tothe shroud by a power cable. The battery pack is attached to the helmetat a different point along the brim of the helmet and uses an attachmentdevice with horizontally oriented cams.

FIG. 17F shows a perspective view of a stand-alone battery pack to beattached to a helmet. The attachment device for use with the batterypack is shown disassembled from the battery pack. The attachment deviceis similar to those described above using horizontally oriented cams.The attachment device may be attached to the inner surface of thebattery pack using screws 918.

Other embodiments of the present invention allow for secure attachmentof accessories to a helmet with the use of straps. Thus, in addition tothe benefits previously discussed, the use of a strap may further secureand stabilize the attachment of accessories to a helmet.

Now referring to FIG. 18, a perspective view is shown of a spring-loadedanchoring device 1900. An anchoring device for a helmet may include aclamp 1910, a tensioner or biasing element 2020, an elongated member1920, a strap 2120 (see FIG. 19), and/or a cover 1960.

In one or more embodiments, the clamp may be “u” shaped. The clamp mayinclude a “u” shaped lower section 1915 for receiving a portion of thehelmet. Moreover, the “u” shape may have a longer external arm than theinternal arm. The clamp may include an exterior section 1907 intended tobe outside the helmet with the exterior of the cover exposed. Theexterior section may have an outer facing region of the longer arm ofthe “u” shape of the clamp. There may be a shorter arm 1905 of theclamp. The shorter arm may have an opening. Thus, the clamp may looklike a fishing hook in shape. As a non-limiting example, the clamp mayhave more than one inward facing shorter arm.

An elongated member may be slidably attached to the clamp for movementbetween a raised and lowered position. A cover 1960 may be attached tothe outer facing region of the longer external arm of the clamp, withthe elongated member in between, by the use of screws 1950.

The elongated member may be a long, flat member with a top end 1925 andbottom end 1955 along with a narrow body 1927 extending in between.Moreover, the elongated member at the bottom end may have two feet 1945that protrude horizontally.

The elongated member may have one or more slots or grooves 1970 tothread and secure a strap 2120 (see FIG. 19). As a non-limiting example,there may be three parallel orthogonally horizontal slot openings. Thisallows a strap to be threaded through the slots and frictionally lockagainst itself to be held in place.

The narrow body may have an elongated opening 1930 to allow theelongated member to move up and down to a predetermined distance when ascrew is attached to the cover. Another screw may be located at thebottom of the cover so that when the elongated member moves down, thescrew may act as a stopping mechanism. There may be a slot 1940 betweenthe feet located at the bottom end of the elongated member toaccommodate the screw. A tensioner or biasing means 2020 may be housedwithin the cover and may provide resistance to the sliding mount. Thetensioner may include springs. As a non-limiting example, the cover mayhave two wells 2030 located within the cover. The first well may belocated at the far left side and the other well may be located at thefar right side, with both extending vertically along their, sides. Thesprings may be positioned within and/or attached to the top of thewells. The feet of the elongated member may fit into the bottom of thewells with the springs located above the top of the feet. Because thefeet protrude to the side and are wider than the narrow body, the feetwould capture or engage the springs when pulled up while the narrow bodywould move without a barrier. Further, the feet may be prevented frommoving farther upward because the top of the wells may stop the feet. Assuch, when the tensioner is in the resting state, the resistance may belittle to non-existent. However, when the elongated member is pulledupward, the tensioner may provide resistance and tend to push theelongated member downward. This spring loads any strap attached to thetop of the elongated member helping to take up any slack that develops.

The cover may have a smooth outer surface. This may prevent theanchoring device from snagging on objects. Moreover, the cover may havetwo threaded receptacles. The first receptacle may be located in themiddle or just above the middle. The second receptacle may be located atthe bottom of the cover. Both receptacles may receive the screws.

Now referring to FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the anchoring devicewith a strap 2120. The strap may be attached to the elongated member ofthe spring-loaded clamp on one end, and attached to a shroud at theother end.

The strap may include a fishtail 2130, wherein the fishtail is foldedand inserted into a slot of the shroud 855 (see FIG. 16), wherein thefishtail opens up and locks against the inside of the shroud.

The fishtail 2130, when folded parallel to the strap 2120, may slidethrough the slot in the shroud 855 (see FIG. 16) and may open up once itis through the slot. Furthermore, the fishtail may lock against theinside of the shroud when the strap experiences tension. At the otherend of the strap, the strap may be feed through the grooves. Thus, auser can tighten the strap against the spring force. If any looseningoccurs during use, the tensioner helps to take up the slack and keep thestrap snug.

To operate the anchoring device, the user may place the clamp at theback of the helmet. The user then threads the strap through the grooveon the elongated member. The elongated member at the top end may havethree parallel orthogonally horizontal openings. To allow for the strapto be threaded through the opening, the opening may be wider than thestrap. The user may thread the strap behind the groove at the lowestopening and, in through the middle opening. Then the user threads thestrap out through the top opening. The user then pulls on the strap atthe loose end 2110, adjusts it to a desired length, and pulls on thestrap to tighten it. Friction and the way the strap is threaded throughthe openings may lock the strap in place. To release the tension in thestrap, the user may lift the strap between the middle and top opening toloosen it.

The tensioner may provide constant preset tension to the strap attachedto the shroud. This may assist in a tight fit with the helmet regardlessof the size of the helmet being used. Also, the use of the anchoringdevice with the attachment device on the shroud may further stabilizethe shroud and prevent the shroud from wobbling. In addition, hook andloop fasteners may be used to manage the loose tail of the strap aftertightening.

Furthermore, the anchoring device may be used with the attachment device100. As such, the attachment device may be attached to the helmet in thefront as described earlier. Then the user may attach a strap to theattachment device at one end and the strap may be connected to theanchoring device at the other end. Once the user threads the groove ofthe elongated member and pulls on the strap, a constant pressure may beprovided. In addition to the strength of attachment of the attachmentdevice, the anchoring device may provide further stability to preventthe attachment device from wobbling. As a non-limiting example, theanchoring device may be used with several attachment devices, differentembodiments of the attachment devices, accessories, shrouds, or anyother mechanism that may need more stabilization.

In addition, a method of attaching an attachment device for a helmet isdescribed.

Embodiments of the present invention provide simplified installation ofa shroud, plate or other accessories for attachment to a helmet. Thesimplified installation of the attachment device does not compromise inthe integrity or the strength of the helmet because it does not requireuse of drilled holes in the helmet to secure the accessories via the useof screws. In addition, embodiments of the present invention securelyattach the accessories to the helmet.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention allow for secureattachment of accessories to a helmet without the need for use of anytools. Thus, accessories may be quickly and easily attached to orremoved from a helmet by hand. This greatly simplifies the process ofattaching accessories to a helmet.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,”“third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region,layer or section from another element, component, region, layer orsection. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or sectiondescribed below could be termed a second element, component, region,layer or section, without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “under,”“above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofexplanation to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will beunderstood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of the device in use or in operation, in additionto the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the devicein the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or“beneath” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented“above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below”and “under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Thedevice may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at otherorientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein shouldbe interpreted accordingly.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element orlayer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. Inaddition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer isreferred to as being “between” two elements or layers, it can be theonly element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or moreintervening elements or layers may also be present.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the presentinvention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of the stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressionssuch as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify theentire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of thelist.

As used herein, the term “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms areused as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and areintended to account for the inherent deviations in measured orcalculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe art. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of thepresent invention refers to “one or more embodiments of the presentinvention.” As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may beconsidered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and“utilized,” respectively. Also, the term “exemplary” is intended torefer to an example or illustration.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Itwill be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonlyused dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/orthe present specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealizedor overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

It should be understood that embodiments described herein should beconsidered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodimentshould typically be considered as available for other similar featuresor aspects in other embodiments.

While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to thefigures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat various changes in form and details may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claimand its equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An attachment device for a helmet, the attachmentdevice comprising: a clamp comprising an exterior section, an interiorsection, and a lower section joining the exterior section to theinterior section; and a cam pivotally mounted to the clamp for movementbetween a released and clamped position to respectively disengage andengage the attachment device to the helmet, wherein at least one of theexterior section and the interior section of the clamp comprises aninwardly facing protrusion extending towards a position between theexterior section and the interior section for contacting the helmet,wherein the cam is located on the other of the exterior section and theinterior section, wherein the exterior section is translatable relativeto the interior section for adjusting a distance between the exteriorsection and the interior section, wherein the lower section of the clampcomprises a first segment extending from the exterior section, and asecond segment extending from the interior section, and wherein thefirst segment and second segment of the lower section are connectable ata plurality of locations to adjust the distance between the exteriorsection and the interior section.
 2. An attachment device for a helmet,the attachment device comprising: a clamp comprising an exteriorsection, an interior section, and a lower section joining the exteriorsection to the interior section; and a cam pivotally mounted to theclamp for movement between a released and clamped position torespectively disengage and engage the attachment device to the helmet,wherein at least one of the exterior section and the interior section ofthe clamp comprises an inwardly facing protrusion extending towards aposition between the exterior section and the interior section forcontacting the helmet, wherein the cam is located on the other of theexterior section and the interior section, further comprising aplurality of cams having different sizes, wherein the clamp comprises apivot axis for movement between the released and clamped positions, andwherein in a first configuration, the pivot axis of the clamp isselectively coupled to a first cam of the plurality of cams, and in asecond configuration, the pivot axis is selectively coupled to a secondcam of the plurality of cams, and when selectively coupled to either thefirst cam or the second cam, the coupled cam is removable from theclamp.
 3. The attachment device of claim 2, wherein the clamp isflexible for compression to the helmet to ensure a secure fit.
 4. Theattachment device of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of camsfurther comprises a surface for contacting the helmet, wherein thesurface comprises a conforming material.
 5. The attachment device ofclaim 2, wherein in the clamped position, the coupled cam of theplurality of cams contacts the helmet at a first position and theprotrusion is located above the first position relative to the lowersection of the clamp.
 6. The attachment device of claim 2, wherein eachof the plurality of cams further comprises a surface for contacting thehelmet, the surface having a flat section that contacts the helmet inthe clamped position.
 7. The attachment device of claim 2, wherein atleast one of the exterior section and interior section of the clampcomprises a lock for maintaining the attachment device in the clampedposition such that the attachment device is prevented from moving intothe released position.
 8. The attachment device of claim 2, furthercomprising an over mold wherein the over mold covers edges of theattachment device.
 9. An attachment device for a helmet, the attachmentdevice comprising: a clamp comprising an exterior section, an interiorsection, and a lower section joining the exterior section to theinterior section; and a cam pivotally mounted to the clamp for movementbetween a released and clamped position to respectively disengage andengage the attachment device to the helmet, wherein at least one of theexterior section and the interior section of the clamp comprises aninwardly facing protrusion extending towards a position between theexterior section and the interior section for contacting the helmet,wherein the cam is located on the other of the exterior section and theinterior section, further comprising a pull ring for coupling the cam tothe clamp, the pull ring having a movable protrusion that is movablewhen the cam and clamp are coupled for decoupling the cam from theclamp.